Native American Heritage Month

12 Nov 2021

Dear Vermont Tech Community:

In November, we honor Native American Heritage Month. This month allows us time to learn, reflect, and engage in both the historical and modern experiences of Native Americans in our country. We use the term Native Americans to represent the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. The best terminology is what an individual person or tribal community uses to describe themselves. When possible, we refer to the specific tribe or tribal community. Learn more about the various terms used by indigenous people to describe themselves here.

In Vermont, there are four state-recognized Western Abenaki Tribes:

  1. The Elnu Abenaki Tribe
  2. The Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe
  3. The Koasek Traditional Band of the Koas Abenaki Nation, and
  4. The Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi.

Within the political borders of Vermont there is also the federally recognized Mohican Nation.

No matter where you are in Vermont or across the world, which campus you attend, or whether you are a resident or commuter student, there are many opportunities offered below to learn more about Indigenous peoples.  We are also repeating our CALL TO ACTION.  We are seeking students, faculty and staff with connections to Native Americans or others who are interested in amplifying Native American voices and experiences by developing a Land Acknowledgement Statement for Vermont Tech. To learn more about what a Land Acknowledgement statement is and how you can help please read below.

Native American Heritage Month Programming:

Virtual Game night with Native American Heritage Month questions

  • Monday, November 8
  • ZoomLink, Meeting ID: 861 4986 4456, Passcode (case-sensitive, lowercase): playnow

Screening of Dawnland

“For decades, child welfare authorities have been removing Native American children from their homes to save them from being Indian. In Maine, the first official “truth and reconciliation commission” in the United States begins a historic investigation. DAWNLAND goes behind-the-scenes as this historic body grapples with difficult truths, redefines reconciliation, and charts a new course for state and tribal relations.”

  • Williston: Wednesday, November 17, Room 203; lunch provided.
  • Randolph: TBD
  • Streaming via VIMEO from your computer any time. Password: silver.five.dove

Screening of Songs My Brothers Taught Me

“A melancholic portrait of Lakota Indian life on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the South Dakota Badlands.” This is a movie that was written and directed by Academy Award winner Chloe Zhao

  • Randolph: Tuesday, November 30, 7 pm, Campus Center
  • Streaming via KANOPY from your computer any time

Resources for Further Learning:

Call to Action:

We are seeking Vermont Tech students, faculty and staff with connections to Native Americans who would like to help develop a Land Acknowledgement Statement for Vermont Tech. A Land Acknowledgement Statement is a formal statement spoken at the beginning of a public event, or written as part of a public communication that recognizes those events, communities, homes and businesses which reside on land originally inhabited by or belonging to indigenous people. A Land Acknowledgment also formally recognizes and respects indigenous peoples as stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between indigenous peoples and their traditional lands.

For more information on Land Acknowledgement, please see these resources below:

If you are interested in developing a Land Acknowledgement Statement for Vermont Tech, please email Kathleen Mason